Utah’s Mighty Five

Utah’s got a little secret: it’s home to five of the most stunning National Parks in the U.S., lovingly dubbed the Utah Mighty Five. If you’re an adventure enthusiast, these parks are an absolute must-see. The geological wonders are jaw-dropping, and each park offers its own unique thrill.

In 2023 and 2024, we embarked on an epic road trip to tackle the Mighty Five, and let’s just say, it was one for the books! We kicked things off at Zion National Park, then cruised through Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and wrapped up our journey at Arches National Park in Moab. It was a whirlwind of breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable hikes.

Each park is a gem, with distances between them ranging from a quick 30 minutes to a scenic 2.5 hours. Perfect for a road trip! We hit all the hot spots and uncovered some hidden gems along the way. Ready to dive into the highlights of each park? Let’s get started!

Top Tips for Exploring the Mighty Five

Plan Your Time Wisely: To soak in all five parks, plan for at least a week. For a more relaxed experience, two weeks is ideal. Spring, fall, or winter are your best bets to avoid Utah’s scorching summer heat.

Get a National Parks Pass: An America the Beautiful Pass is your golden ticket. For just $80, it covers entry to all U.S. National Parks for a year. If you’re a veteran, you get this pass for free with proper documentation. Not keen on the pass? Visit on one of the five free days of the year to save some cash.

Break in Those Hiking Shoes: You’ll be on your feet a lot, so good hiking shoes are a must. Check out our blog on the Best Hiking Shoes for Outdoor Adventures for recommendations.

Permits & Reservations: Some parks have visitor caps due to high demand, so check the NPS website for each park to see if you need special reservations. Campsite reservations are usually released 6 months in advance, while day-use permits vary in availability.

Zion National Park Highlights

Plan for 2-3 Days: To hit all the major spots, spend a couple of days here. Bring a bike if you can—it’ll help you navigate the park faster and avoid long shuttle lines.

Don’t Forget the Essentials: Bring a cooler for ice and a shower kit for the Narrows hike. A Rinse Kit is perfect for washing off after your adventure.

Angels Landing: This iconic hike is not for the faint of heart but is a must-do if heights don’t faze you. It’s now permit-only, so secure yours ahead of time. Arrive early for the best experience and bring layers and a headlamp for the windy summit.

The Narrows: This hike is like nothing else. Rent neoprene gear for winter visits and check out Wall Street and Orderville Canyon for serene beauty.

Bryce Canyon National Park Highlights

Inspiration Point: Catch the sunrise here—it’s a magical sight! The viewpoints offer a spectacular view of the hoodoos.

Sunset Point: While it’s named for sunset, we love it for sunrise. The Rim Trail to Sunset Point is a lovely hike.

Navajo Loop Trail: This 1.3-mile trail features Thor’s Hammer and the dramatic Wall Street. Hike it clockwise for the best experience.

Capitol Reef National Park Highlights

Chimney Rock: A striking formation you can see right from the park entrance. The Chimney Rock Loop Trail is a 3.3-mile hike worth the effort.

Hickman Bridge: A 1.7-mile trail leads to beautiful arches and rock formations. Great for families!

Cathedral Valley: For an off-road adventure, this 58-mile loop offers stunning views. Be prepared for a bit of seclusion.

Canyonlands National Park Highlights

Green River Overlook: Sunrise here offers a peaceful start to the day with a gorgeous red glow.

Mesa Arch: A popular spot, best visited after sunrise to avoid crowds. A 0.7-mile trail leads to this iconic arch.

Grand View Point Overlook: A short walk with a fantastic view, perfect for sunset.

Shafer Trail: For the adventurous, this 2-hour drive offers incredible views but requires a 4x4. Tours are available if you don’t have a suitable vehicle.

Arches National Park Highlights

Park Avenue Monolith: A 1.8-mile hike with massive monoliths that look like skyscrapers.

Double Arch: Easily accessible from the Windows Loop Trail, it’s the tallest arch in the park.

Delicate Arch: The most famous of the arches. It’s a challenging 3-mile hike, best tackled early to beat the heat and crowds.

Time to Explore The Mighty Five

No matter how much time you have, visiting the Mighty Five is an unforgettable adventure. Each park offers its own magic, making Utah a dream destination for any nature lover. Share your favorite spots from the Mighty Five with us!